Milwaukee archdiocese plans to close more than 100 parishes

September 04, 2012

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has announced plans to close 103 parishes--more than half the parishes in the archdioceses--by 2020.

Archdiocesan officials said that the reconfiguration is required because of a predicted 40% decline in the number of active priests in future years, as few young men preparing for ordination cannot replace the large cohort of priests nearing retirement. Also, parish costs are rising, officials said. "The mission of the church can be carried out more effectively by combining efforts and sharing resources," the archdiocese concluded.

The archdiocesan statement does not mention the cost of sex-abuse settlements, which have drained financial resources.

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You would be amazed at the power of Eucharistic adoration in righting the courses of failing dioceses.

Posted by: opraem -
Sep. 05, 2012 1:05 AM ET USA

further evidence the vatican had no quality control in its bishop appointment process. and lacks the willingness to rein in outlaw prelates. the bishops are the laity's cross to carry every day.

Posted by: koinonia -
Sep. 04, 2012 9:17 PM ET USA

Is there a lesson here or might this be simply the same troubles the Church has always endured? The disturbing statistics, the colossal financial losses- all "par for the course?" If a lesson is to be learned here and elsewhere, will it be appreciated before the point of no return? Cardinal Martini's comments were not entirely inaccurate. He spoke of empty churches and the damage of the abuse scandal. His ideas for solutions were wrong, but the Church always has the right answers. Share them.

Posted by: shrink -
Sep. 04, 2012 6:56 PM ET USA

Another fruit of the loins of Archbishop Emeritus of Milwaukee, Rembert George Weakland.

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